Acoforag warns: Attacks and lack of security keep forestry activity paralyzed in the south

The crisis facing the Chilean forestry sector is the result of nearly three decades of violence, attacks, legal uncertainty, and the absence of long-term public policies. This was stated by Acoforag's manager, René Muñoz, who in an interview with Radio Agricultura provided a harsh diagnosis of the reality faced by forestry companies, contractors, and workers, especially in the Biobío and La Araucanía regions.

The leader argued that the current situation is not solely due to the economic scenario, but is a consequence of an accumulation of problems that have weakened forestry activity over the years.

In addition to violence and attacks, he explained, factors such as increased labor costs derived from the 40-hour workweek and higher pension contributions, the rise in oil prices—one of the main inputs for forestry operations—and the difficulties currently faced by international markets are also involved.

"After almost 30 years subjected to insecurity, violence, and terrorism, no productive sector can withstand a scenario of this nature," he stated.

Attacks and paralyzed zones

One of the most critical points raised by Muñoz is that the decrease in attacks reported by authorities does not necessarily reflect an improvement in security conditions.

He explained that in a significant part of the Arauco province, forestry activity has simply ceased to exist because companies consider that there are no minimum guarantees to protect their workers and equipment. "From the middle of the Arauco province southward, it is impossible to work because there are no security conditions. If there are no workers or machinery operating, naturally there will be no attacks either. That is why those figures do not represent reality," he stated.

According to him, this situation has prevented the development of new productive projects and has generated a strong economic impact in communes where forestry activity constitutes one of the main sources of employment.

Added to this is the legal uncertainty, which, in the leader's opinion, hinders any long-term investment decisions.

Job losses

Muñoz noted that over the last decade, the sector has lost around 4,000 jobs. He also indicated that between 70 and 80 forestry contractor companies have disappeared due to the sustained decline in operations.

The crisis has also reached the primary wood processing industry. According to him, about 200 small sawmills have had to close their doors due to the reduced availability of raw materials and the drop in productive activity.

Acoforag's manager stated that laying off workers is never an easy decision, but affirmed that many companies have been forced to adjust their structures to remain operational. "Companies must balance their costs with their revenues. What we are asking for is not special treatment, but for basic conditions to be able to work," he said.